Upon investigation, Thai PBS Verify found this to be fake news. The scammers impersonated a Thai PBS anchor, who had previously given information on how to get refunds, to pose as a lawyer who could assist victims of fraud and help them get their money back. They would then lure the victims into a fake LINE group to deceive them again.
Thai PBS Verify Found the Source of the Fake News to Be: TikTok
A screenshot shows the fake clip, which claims to be an “Asset Division Center.”
A TikTok user with the username “easc191” posted a video clip that warns people or provides information on how to get a refund. The clip included a QR Code or other contactinformation. It was identified as an “Asset Division Center” with the message: “Contact our agency via the link on our profile page or the QR Code below only. We are the only agency, so beware of fakes.” It also listed a LINE ID and a QR Code.
Thai PBS Verify used the InVid-WeVerify to check the clip and found that it was taken from a TikTok account named “deawberry”, which is the user’s personal account. The original clip explains the channels for victims of online scams to get refunds and was posted on January 31, 2023.
A screenshot comparing the real clip (left) to the fake clip used to deceive people into scanning a QR code (right).
Confirms Never Invited Consultations via a Personal LINE Account
We reached out to Mr. Teeradet Ngamlua, the host of the program “Sathani Prachachon” (The People’s Station), which airs on Thai PBS. He stated that he has a personal TikTok channel dedicated to online scam warnings, which he created over three years ago and currently has around 200,000 followers.
He noted that most of his clips are warnings about all forms of online scams. Topics featured on his TV program are condensed into short clips for his TikTok channel, aiming to help the public, especially young people, become more aware of online dangers. He added that most of his followers are elderly individuals or those who have already been victims of scams.
Mr. Teeradet Ngamlua, the host of the program “Sathani Prachachon” (The People’s Station)
Regarding the clip in question, a well-intentioned person informed him that it was being shared on TikTok. He feels that if the clips were copied and used for a beneficial purpose, that would be fine. However, since it was used to attach a link and instruct people to add a LINE account, he felt he had to speak out to warn the public to be more cautious.
He noted that scammers often pose as lawyers, officials, or even victims who claim they can help get a refund, all to lure people into contacting them.
He expressed his dissatisfaction with his content being used in such a deceptive way. He pointed out that even though warnings have been issued for over a decade, scammers have adapted—or “mutated,” as he described it—by using applications and social media more extensively, unlike in the past when they only used text messages or emails. Today, the channels used to deceive the public are much more varied.
He concluded by urging the public to be careful and not to fall for false information from these
fraudsters.
A screenshot showing the personal TikTok account of Mr. Teeradet Ngamlua, host of the ‘Sathani Prachachon’ program
Additionally, we also found that a clip of a Thairath TV anchor was used to deceive the public in
the same manner as described above.
Confirmed: Victim Refunds Are Not Handled Online. Do Not Be Deceived.
Pol. Col. Neti Wongkulab, Deputy Commander of the Technology Crime Suppression Division (TCSD).
Pol. Col. Neti Wongkulab, Deputy Commander of the Technology Crime Suppression Division (TCSD), Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), stated that this is an old scam, but with a new approach to reaching victims. Before these new methods, fake pages for online crime reporting and impersonating government agencies were among the first types of scams discovered.
After that, this scam evolved as the number of online crime victims grew. Criminals began impersonating lawyers. They would enter comment sections under posts, for example, where a victim had posted about being scammed. A shill account would then comment on the post, claiming they could help track down and recover the money, or that they had successfully recovered money after consulting with a particular lawyer. They would then provide contact details
and use fake pictures of real lawyers, law firms, or even police officers.
However, the latest method discovered involves scammers stealing video clips of TV hosts or news anchors who talk about asset recovery. These clips are then combined with fake messages and invitations to add a friend. The scammers hope that victims who fall for it will scan a QR code to get help tracking down their money.
The public should be aware that government agencies will never help by asking you to add them as a friend on LINE. Furthermore, the process of recovering assets involves legal procedures, including court rulings and announcements from the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO). All of these steps are part of a legal process, and no government agency will contact you directly in this manner.
